Preliminary Homicide Hearing Interrupted

On Oct. 11, during the second day of a homicide preliminary hearing, the proceeding was interrupted due to scheduling issues.

Jaleil Jones, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Robert Lavender that occurred on July 17 on the 600 block of Monroe Street, NE.

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective for the case.

On Oct. 11, the lead detective continued his testimony regarding his involvement in the on-going investigation into the homicide.

According to the detective and prosecutors, there are various videos that show two individuals, one of which was identified as Jones by witnesses and the MPD, shooting Lavender and fleeing the scene of the crime.

Other videos show the two suspects allegedly leaving the area of the incident. One of the videos shows the suspects dropping some items outside the Brookland-CUA Metro Station. The items were later recovered by MPD, and included bank cards and identification cards that belonged to Lavender.

According to the detective, he was able to access Jones’ Instagram account which was public and noticed several images and videos that portray him holding guns and pointing it to the camera.

In one of the videos, which was played in court, Jones can be seen wearing what appears to be the same hoodie worn by one of the shooters during the murder.

Kevann Gardner, Jones’ defense attorney, argued that the detective couldn’t prove the Instagram account actually belonged to Jones because anyone could have posted the images and videos on the account.

Gardner also questioned the lead detective regarding the various different lookout descriptions shared between MPD and dispatchers on the day of the incident. Many of those descriptions did not match Jones’ description, Gardner states.

Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to finish his testimony.

Parties are expected to return for a continued preliminary hearing on Oct. 17.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Second-Degree Murder Case

At an Oct 11 preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide.

Terrance Stoney, 30, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of 43-year-old Donte Tiller on March 17 at the intersection of Naylor Road and Southern Avenue, SE.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about surveillance footage he retrieved from a liquor store located at the 3200 block of Naylor Road and from interviews with Stoney.

The footage shows Tiller’s vehicle, a black Ford Crown Victoria, traveling toward Southern Avenue pursued by a gray Nissan Infiniti.

According to the detective, Tiller stopped at a red light while Infiniti vehicle proceeded toward Naylor Road, apparently with the front window down, an arm extending from the vehicle, then shots were fired.

In the MPD detective’s interviews with Stoney, he said he was driving a gray tow truck near Naylor Road and Southern Avenue at the time of the offense.

From surveillance footage, prosecutors noted there was a gray tow truck that looked like it was heading toward Southern Avenue.

Using cell phone data, the MPD detective testified that Stoney’s phone signal showed up in the vicinity of the offense.

Nikki Lotze, Stoney’s defense attorney, said that the cell site analysis is consistent with Stoney’s phone but the specific location is unknown.

Following the detective’s testimony, the defense called a private investigator to confirm that Stoney was a driver for a towing company and he did work on March 17, according to the tow logs provided by his boss. One of his trips was from Temple Hills, MD, in the direction of the incident.

On the contrary, on May 1, Stoney’s boss told police that he works the day shift but wasn’t currently working on the day of the homicide, according to court documents.

Judge Demeo said “bad business practices” could’ve been at play with regard to the tow logs and Stoney’s whereabouts on the day of the shooting. She said the tow logs lacked detailed information.

Additionally, Stoney’s girlfriend told police on March 22 that she was the owner of the Infiniti involved in the shooting. She said that they live together and she bought the car for him, according to court documents.

In finding probable cause, Judge Demeo said the defendant and his employer were evasive in providing information.

Parties are expected back on Oct. 12 to discuss Stoney’s detention.

‘Hold Him Responsible,’ Say Prosecutors in Closing Argument for 2020 Homicide Case

On Oct. 11, parties delivered their closing arguments in a 2020 hit-and-run homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of 45-year-old David Farewell while he was riding his bicycle. The incident occurred on Sept. 4, 2020 on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE.

“The defendant, Eric Beasley, murdered David Farewell with a 3,000 pound weapon,” prosecutors stated in their closing argument.

Prosecutors alleged Beasley had a clear motive for murder, as seconds before the incident occurred, Farewell confronted Beasley about Beasley’s allegedly following Farewell and his girlfriend out of the gas station.

Prosecutors displayed a video of Beasley allegedly hitting Farewell with his car, highlighting the sound of the vehicle accelerating after Farewell had been hit. The prosecution argued that Beasley would have immediately stopped or taken his foot off the gas if it was an accident.

Prosecution emphasized Beasley’s conduct of dragging Farewell’s body out of the road and fleeing the scene, stating, “He didn’t want 911 there, if he did he would’ve made the call.” They ended their argument by asking the jury to hold Beasley “responsible” for his actions.

In her closing argument, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey stated, “You have to consider what’s evidence and what’s just emotional.” Harvey argued the prosecution had mostly discussed uncontested evidence and emphasized how this was not enough to prove Beasley’s guilt.

Harvey argued the automobile mechanical expert testified there were no mechanical issues with the vehicle, but failed to examine human error as a possibility. In addition, Harvey emphasized the medical examiner’s testimony that the incident could have been an accident.

Harvey stated the prosecution had not conducted enough research and should have obtained an expert opinion on the footage of the incident to determine the speed of the vehicle and how far it traveled.

Ending her argument, Harvey stated, “It would be a tragedy for an innocent man to be convicted of murder.”

During their rebuttal, prosecutors remarked on how the two biggest pieces of evidence, the car and bike, were not at the scene because Beasley fled with both. They alleged Beasley proved to have a “consciousness of guilt” through his actions, including discarding the bike after fleeing the scene.

The jury is expected to start deliberations on Oct. 12.

Document: Man Arrested for a Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 28-year-old Nathaniel Art-Washington with assault with intent to kill – gun, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 9 on the 1200 block of Queen Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male victim in the roadway suffering from a gunshot wound. A short time later, a second victim flagged down an ambulance at the intersection of Florida Avenue and Eckington Place, NE. Both adult males were transported to hospitals for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The suspect was apprehended by responding officers.

MPD’s investigation determined the two shooting victims robbed the alleged shooter, after the robbery the suspect pursued them and shot them.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Three Suspects in Drug-Related Homicide

On Oct. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that Raymond Mathis, Deandre Sams, and Keshawn Lavender were the perpetrators in a 2023 homicide case.

Lavender, 22, Sams, 27, and Mathis, 36, are charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller on Sept. 5 in an apartment on the 200 block of M Street, SW.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, the three defendants attempted to rob drugs and money from those in the apartment. The plan went awry, leading to a shooting that injured five and killed Miller. All three defendants were shot.

The lead detective testified surveillance footage showed the defendants entering the apartment complex after the tenants gave them access. In addition, the detective testified about finding large plastic bags filled with what appeared to be marijuana and as well scales inside the apartment suggesting a potential drug deal.

According to the detective, the MPD found the three defendants at Children’s National Hospital with gunshot wounds. Mathis is under GPS monitoring; the system was alerted when he arrived.

In response, all three defense attorneys argued there are inconsistencies in accounts of the incident.

According to the detective, one of the victims claimed he resided in California even though it appears he lived in the apartment. In addition, the landlord is investigating whether the lease was fraudulent.

Judge Epstein concluded there is “at least probable cause this started as a robbery” and there is “no reason to think the dealers initiated” the shooting. All three defendants will be held until their trial.

A status hearing will be held on Dec. 1.

Judge Detains Shooting Defendant During Presentments

On Oct. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover detained a non-fatal shooting defendant as he awaits further proceedings.

Nataniel Arce-Washington, 28, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 9, at the intersection of Queen Street and Montello Avenue, NE. The incident left two individuals suffering from severe gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, officers responded to the sounds of gunshots where they located the first victim suffering from a gunshot wound in the back of his neck. He was transported to a hospital, where medical staff said he was paralyzed from the neck down from the from the shooting.

The second victim was dropped off from a private car in front of an ambulance at the intersection of Florida Avenue and Eckington Place, NE. He was transported to a hospital for life-threatening injuries, where he received emergency surgery after having lost a large part of his intestines from the injury.

Arce-Washington was apprehended at the scene.

Steven Ogilvie, Arce-Washington’s defense attorney, pleaded his client not guilty to all charges, and requested the court not find probable cause arguing Arce-Washington acted in self-defense. He also requested Arce-Washington be released, stating he has no prior violent history, is employed, college educated, and is the sole care-taker of a child.

Prosecutors opposed the argument, stating the two victims were fleeing from Arce-Washington as he shot at them ten times, debunking their self-defense argument. They requested he be held, arguing that none of the reasons presented stopped him from shooting at the victims.

Judge Glover found probable cause that Arce-Washington was the perpetrator in the incident. He also denied the defense’s request for release, stating he remains a danger to the community and there is no proof he was acting in self-defense.

Arce-Washington is expected to appear in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Oct. 19 for a preliminary hearing.

Defendant Sentenced to Five Years in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Oct. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 5 years in prison.

Craig Peacock was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He is being charged for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting near the 1100 block of Half Street SE, on Oct. 26, 2022. The incident left one individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Peacock accepted a plea offer extended by the prosecutors for assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecutors to not go through with indictment.

During the sentencing, Peacock expressed remorse over his actions and said, “I wish I could take it back.”

Judge Epstein acknowledged Peacock’s remorse and said, “You don’t have to sit in the seat I sit in to know what gun violence is doing to our community.”

The sentencing also included 3 years of supervised release. Peacock is required to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victim of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF) for each charge.

Peacock will be transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prison.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Motion for Release

On Oct. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request for a bond review.

David Cunningham, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 1 on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE. Cunningham suffered two gunshot injuries during the incident.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, when officers arrived they located Cunningham and transported him to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Surveillance footage shows an individual, identified as Cunningham, and another individual shooting at each other in a parking lot of a convenience store.

Darryl Daniels II, Cunningham’s defense attorney, filed a motion for bond review, stating that Cunningham is suffering during confinement. According to Daniels, Cunningham had one of the bullets from the shooting removed, but has not been getting “fair treatment” from the Department of Corrections (DoC).

Daniels argued that Cunningham has stable housing and support, and that he’s an expectant father.

Prosecutors opposed the motion, stating that Cunningham is still a danger to the community.

Judge Arthur agreed with prosecutors, stating that there’s no condition or combination of conditions that will ensure the community’s safety if Cunningham is released.

Parties are expected back Oct. 27.

Document: Man Dead After Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 7 on the 5500 block of 7th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 36-year-old Alonzo Jessie Atkins.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for homicides.

Document: Vehicle Sought in a Homicide in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle connected to a homicide that occurred on Sept. 5 on the intersection of 18th Street and Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting and a vehicle collision. They located an adult male shooting victim inside a vehicle, and transported him to a local hospital, where he was admitted with life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 8, the victim succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 23-year-old Brandon Grant.

The suspect vehicle was captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: Man Arrested for 2020 Homicide in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 56-year-old Guy Johnson with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an unconscious adult female, inside a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where despite all life-saving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.

The victim was identified as 28-year-old Kriston Robinson.

Judge Denies Motion for New Trial in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Oct. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a motion for a new trial in a 2019 shooting case because of credibility issues with two witnesses.

Travis Littlejohn, 38, was found guilty on four charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and multiple counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on July 5, 2019.

According to court documents, four victims sustained non-life threatening wounds as a result of an altercation at a Shell gas station.

According to Littlejohn’s defense attorney, Lee Smith, his trial counsel failed to call two witnesses who allegedly saw the shooter and claimed it was not Littlejohn. Smith argued the testimony of these witnesses could affect the jury’s ruling.

In addition, he said the surveillance footage of someone getting out of a car and extending a hand may not have been the shooter, who could have been out of view.

In response, the prosecution argued the witnesses were biased given their relationship with Littlejohn, thus their testimony was not reliable.

Judge Raffinan denied the motion for a new trial, citing the inconsistent statements the witnesses had provided compared to video footage of the incident.

Parties are expected to reconvene for Littlejohn’s sentencing on Nov. 16.

Judge Sentences Two of Six Defendants For Murder of 10-Year-Old Girl

On Oct. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Marquell Cobbs to six years for conspiracy, and Isaiah Murchison to 60 years incarceration in what Murchison’s attorneys called a “life-sentence”.

On June 13, 24-year-old Murchison, 26-year-old Quentin Michals, 28-year-old Gregory Taylor, 25-year-old Qujuan Thomas, and 24-year-old Darrise Jeffers were convicted of 22 charges, including conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and six counts of criminal gang affiliation for their involvement in a mass-shooting that killed 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson and left four other individuals injured. The incident occurred on July 16, 2018, on the 300 block of 53rd Street, SE, and resulted from gang retaliation.

According to prosecutors, the defendants belong to what’s known as the Wellington Park Crew, which they argue is a criminal street gang and are responsible for crimes throughout the city.

Unlike the rest, Cobbs, 21, was acquitted of all charges except conspiracy.

Several members of Makiyah’s family delivered impact statements. Her mother described her as “an angel on earth,” and said Makiyah would brighten up any room she walked into. Makiyah’s mother thanked God for justice.

Makiyah’s grandmother argued “it’s been a long five years,” explaining the true pain and loss their family endured. She told Cobbs and Murchison “I hope you’ll learn to value life… If ‘Kiyah were here, she’d say ‘grandma forgive them’, but I can’t do it”.

“I can’t even stand here and wish bad things on you, I’ll hope and pray for everyone,” she stated.

In a letter read by prosecutors, Makiyah’s dad described her as a “genuine spirit,” who would comfort, encourage, and wish the best for people. “One of the most precious gifts was taken from us on July 16, 2018,” he wrote.

“I live for my son, in the memory of Makiyah,” the letter said.

Prosecutors argued that Cobbs’ involvement in the conspiracy was much more complex than his defense attorney, Kevin McCants, recounted. They insisted he was a part of the conspiracy from the very beginning, keeping tabs on their “opps,” or rivals, buying guns for the Crew, and hiding them after Makiyah’s murder.

The prosecutors requested Judge Okun sentence Cobbs to 84 months incarceration, because, “He chose to be a part of this crew and this lifestyle”. Prosecutors argued Cobbs had several opportunities to change his path, but that after assisting the other defendants in Makiyah’s murder he was re-arrested mid-trial in a separate incident for a gun charge in Montgomery County, MD.

“He, and he alone, is responsible for his actions,” prosecutors insisted.

“This is a sad, sad situation,” said McCants, arguing that Makiyah’s death was not meant to happen. He reminded the court that Cobbs was 16-years-old at the time of his arrest, and was acquitted of everything but the conspiracy.

McCants told the court that, when Makiyah’s autopsy images were shown during trial, Cobbs cried. “The fact this young lady died hurt him, and hurt him dearly,” he said.

McCants said he has known Cobbs since he was born and his family has a plan set for his future.

He asked Judge Okun to sentence Cobbs “based on the truth,” stating that Cobbs spent four years on house arrest, and was compliant with all release conditions.

Cobbs thanked Judge Okun for his kindness throughout the trial. He stated that, after his rearrest, being in a cell for 23 hours of the day gave him time to think and understand the gravity of his situation in the interest of fixing things.

McCant’s requested Cobbs be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), insisting he never had violent tendencies, and he was just in a dangerous neighborhood environment.

Prosecutors countered Cobbs’ family has done a lot to set him up in life and he has failed to take every opportunity. According to prosecutors, Cobbs has “shown he’s not going to learn”.

Judge Okun denied McCant’s request for sentencing under the YRA, citing the seriousness, length, and repeated criminal activity surrounding his conspiracy conviction. He sentenced Cobbs to 72 months incarceration, and three years of supervised release. Once released, he will need to seek employment and participate in substance abuse assessments and treatment.

“For your sake, for your family’s sake, and for the community’s sake, I hope that you can comply with whatever conditions of release and never come back here again,” Judge Okun told Cobbs before he was escorted out of the courtroom.

As for Murchison, prosecutors argued he joined the conspiracy in 2017, made it clear he had issues with other crews and neighborhoods, and retaliated against them when his friends and co-conspirators were attacked.

During the trial, prosecutors proved that Murchison was one of the four shooters that fired more than 50 gunshots into the Clay Terrace courtyard the day Wilson was killed. Because of his involvement in the actual shooting, prosecutors requested the sentences for the murder, the four assaults with intent to kill, and the conspiracy run consecutively, with all other charges running concurrently.

Prosecutors requested 480 months for the murder, 120 months for one count of assault with intent to kill, and 90 months for each of the other three assaults with intent to kill charges, seeking a total of 76 and a half years incarceration.

According to the prosecutors, “this is an appropriate sentence,” arguing that Murchison had chances to change his life, and did not care who was injured or killed in the shootings in which he participated.

“An image that will stick with me forever is the image of [Makiyah’s sister] holding Makiyah as she died,” said the prosecutor. She stated the court can make sure Murchison doesn’t do it ever again.

Murchison’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, insisted he was not an integral part of the conspiracy and that, “It is unfair to overstate his involvement”. She requested he be sentenced to all concurrent sentences, otherwise he’d be facing incarceration for the rest of his life.

According to Weller, Murchison showed he was struggling and “trauma and violence just kept coming,” stating that people important to Murchison were continuously victims of gun violence.

She argued that Murchison is remorseful and just trying to get through each day. “Two kids lost their father,” Weller stated, explaining that his two kids will have to be raised by Murchison’s family member.

Murchison chose not to make a statement during the sentencing.

“This is very hard,” said Judge Okun. He argued that if he imposed concurrent sentences it would minimize the seriousness of the crimes.

He imposed a sentence of 360 months for the first-degree murder charge, and 90 months for each of the assault with intent to kill charges, which are to be served consecutively to one another.

Judge Okun also imposed a 48 month sentence for the conspiracy charge, 60 months for each of the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge, and 12 months for each of the criminal gang affiliation charges, which will run concurrently to the other sentences.

Murchison is expected to serve 60 years of incarceration, with the chance to be released early for good behavior.

He is also required to register as a gun offender, and will have to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund for each of the charges, which is due October of 2073.

Judge Okun told Murchison “I know this is an incredibly long sentence. I get no pleasure imposing it, but I know you have a lot of potential… Good luck”.

Weller alerted the court they are planning on filing an appeal following the sentencing.

Michals, Taylor, Thomas, and Jeffers are scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 20.

Judge Holds Defendant in 2020 Homicide

On Oct. 6, during presentments, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe held a homicide defendant without bond based on the current and prior charges against him.

Guy Johnson, 56, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in a shooting on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE, on March 25, 2020 when he allegedly murdered 28-year-old Kriston Robinson.

According to police documents, Robinson was found by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers unconscious and not breathing in the driver’s seat of her vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Kevin Mosley, Johnson’s defense attorney, presented an eyewitness statement saying suspect was approximately five-feet-six-to-five-feet-seven-inches tall weighing approximately 200 pounds. Mosley says Johnson does not match that description.

Mosley entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client saying there is no probable cause he committed the crime.

The prosecution said that while there are some height inconsistencies, it’s “very clear who the suspect was.”

Judge Pipe said even though here are “too many discrepancies” in the height descriptors they don’t ultimately matter, ruling in favor of probable cause.

In addition to the DC cases, Judge Pipe noted Johnson has three total fugitive charges, two hailing from Maryland and one from Virginia. She said those charges do not make her feel confident in releasing Johnson under personal recognizance.

Judge Pipe held Johnson without bond and he is scheduled to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 1.

Double Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Oct. 6, a double homicide defendant accepted a plea offer extended by the prosecution.

Alonzo Lewis, 38, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and unlawful possession of firearm, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 40-year-old Jaquon Helm and 35-year-old Venius Badgett on May 26, 2018, on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW.

Lewis accepted a plea agreement that required him to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. Lewis faces 15 years for each charge for a total of 30 years of incarceration.

According to the prosecutors, had the case gone to trial, there would be evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Lewis shot and killed Hill and Badgett.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt confirmed that she was satisfied with the defendant’s understanding of his terms and accepted his guilty plea.

Judge Brandt also ordered a stay away no-contact order for the defendant from four witnesses, which was requested by the prosecution.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 28.

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